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Banner with name of fund, Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund and vector image of a man working the land with horses, representative of Pare Lorentz's film, The River.

About the 2021 Theme

In 2021, the grant focus is Challenging White Supremacy. Learn more about the breadth of the theme through our digital conversation led by NPR film critic Eric Deggans. Watch the recording with IDA Funds Director Poh Si Teng and grantees Jon-Sesrie Goff (After Sherman) and Hillary Pierce (At The Ready) where they share their perspectives on exploring and challenging systematic racism in the United States through using non-fiction storytelling.

Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund FAQ

 

Watch the 2021 Q&A session with the funding team above. Below are frequently asked questions regarding the 2021 Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund. Please review full guidelines here. We cannot preview applications. Questions on eligibility can be sent to grants@documentary.org.

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The 2021 guidelines specify my project has to focus on the issue area of challenging white supremacy. What does that mean?

Each year the fund will focus on select issue areas that were hallmarks of Pare Lorentz's films. In 2021 the focus is challenging white supremacy. Films can focus on the impact of white supremacy in many areas, including but not limited to policing, banking and finance, education, health care, land rights and housing.

I applied in the previous round. Can I apply this year with the same project?

Each year the fund will focus on select issue areas that were hallmarks of Pare Lorentz's films. In 2021 our focus is challenging white supremacy. You may apply with the same project from a previous round if your project addresses this area. Please reference the current application checklist and update your submission accordingly.

Can I apply to both the Enterprise Production Doc Fund and Pare Lorentz?

Yes you can apply to both but you will need to fill out separate Submittable applications for each grant. 

What is the date and time of the deadline?

The application portal on Submittable.com will close Monday June 28, 2021 at 11:00pm PST. We highly recommend starting your upload no later than 11pm PST to avoid technical difficulties. 

When will I be notified?

Applicants will be notified by November 2021.

Can I provide an update?

Finalists will be invited to provide a project update.

Can I submit multiple projects?

No, each applicant can only submit one project.

What is expected from the current work sample?

You must submit a work sample for the project you are proposing. The suggested length is 10-15 minutes. Samples can be longer but reviewers are asked to watch up to 15 minutes.  There are no restrictions on the type of sample. Choose material that reflects the strongest elements of your story, characters and style. It can be one scene, a string out of scenes, an interview with a character, a rough cut. Please make certain the audio can be heard. Be sure to give context of what the sample is in the proposal. We encourage applicants not to expend extra resources to prepare the sample. 

Are broadcast or web series eligible?

Series are not eligible for the grant. Only feature length films are eligible. 

Do you accept international co-productions?

Yes. The applicant does not need to be a US citizen or US resident for the Pare Lorentz grant. However, grants to non-US citizens or non-US residents may be subject to mandatory US government withholding. A reminder, the film must involve the US thematicaly. 

What production stages are eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must be in production or post production. Expenses may include line items such as principal photography, travel, equipment purchase or rental, insurance, rights and clearances, editing and filmmaker salaries. The fund does not support expenses related to fundraising, distribution, publicity, marketing or outreach.  The project must not be completed by December 2020.

Is there someone I can discuss my project with before applying?

We are happy to answer any specific questions you have via email here. We encourage you to apply if you believe you meet the criteria. The guidelines and application can be viewed here.

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